Self-excitation process due to local seismic amplification responsible for the reactivation of the Salcito landslide (Italy) on 31 October 2002

An integrated numerical and geophysical approach was used to investigate the role of local seismic amplification in the reactivation of the Salcito landslide (Italy) after the Molise earthquake of 31 October 2002. Numerical stress-strain analysis with FLAC 5.0 FDM software, performed in dynamic configuration, showed that the 1 Hz frequency was consistent with landslide instability conditions. The Fourier spectrum of the triggering earthquake showed two main peaks occurring at 1 and 2 Hz, respectively, which could be related to local effects. The analysis of H/V spectral ratios of ambient noise records obtained in the landslide area, evidenced amplification effects in the 1-3 Hz range. On the basis of an engineering geology model, numerical modeling of both 1-D and 2-D seismic wave propagation was conducted using linear and nonlinear solutions. The simulation outputs showed (1) a 1 Hz amplification ascribable to 2-D effects due to a landslide mass lying within a basin-like geological structure; (2) a double-peak amplification at about 2 and 3 Hz, respectively, ascribable to 1-D resonance of the landslide mass; and (3) 1-D plus lateral wave effects within the landslide mass in the 2.5-3.5 Hz frequency range. These findings suggest that local amplification of ground motion by the Salcito landslide mass may generate a self-excitation process responsible for its reactivation.